Hampshire Constabulary

Using a mobile phone and driving don’t mix!  

On February 27, 2007, the penalties for using a mobile phone at the wheel got tougher.  
previously, you would have received a £30 fine if you’re caught, but now, you’ll  get three points on your licence as well, and the fine has increased to £60.  

Hampshire Constabulary officers will be patrolling the county and the Isle of Wight, making sure that drivers take notice of the new law and clamping down on those who ignore it.  

Research has shown that it is often hard to do two things at once, and if you use your mobile phone when driving, you are four times more likely to have a crash. Members of the public are being asked to take notice of the new law, and listen out for TV and radio campaigns explaining the changes.   Police officers will also be talking to members of the public across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight in the run-up to the new law, and handing out leaflets highlighting the penalties.   

Hampshire Constabulary Roads Policing Inspector, Peter Hughes, said: “If you drive and talk on a mobile at the same time you are putting your life and the life of other road users at risk.  

“You can’t concentrate properly on the road ahead and getting caught a few times may also mean losing your licence.  

“We all have a responsibility to keep our roads safe. Remember to switch your phone off before you get behind the wheel.”    

How does the law apply to me?

• You will be breaking the law if you pick up or use any type of phone that must be held to operate it.  
• You will not be allowed to use your phone if you are stopped at traffic lights or when queuing in traffic. This includes picking up your phone to send and receive texts or browsing the internet!          
  

Why are the penalties getting tougher?  

Research shows that if you use any type of phone while driving, even a hands-free, your reaction times are worse than if you drive under the influence of alcohol.  

In fact, tests have shown that reaction times for a driver using a hand-held mobile phone were 30% worse than for driving while drunk and nearly 50% worse than driving under normal conditions.   Talking on a mobile and driving means you are unable to concentrate fully on the road ahead and cannot react as quickly to hazards.  

Are there are exceptions?

Yes - a driver will be able to call 999 from a mobile in a genuine emergency, when it is impractical to stop and make a call.  

Points on your licence

If you are a new driver you won’t have to be caught many times before your licence is taken away. If you get six points in the first two years after passing your test you will be disqualified under the New Drivers Act.  

You can also be prosecuted for using a hands-free mobile if you are not in proper control of your vehicle. The penalties will be the same as for using a hand held mobile.  

Think!  

Only use your mobile after you have stopped in a safe place, but NEVER on the hard shoulder of a motorway, except in an emergency.  

Set up a voicemail service on your phone so if someone does ring when you are driving they can leave a message.  

A hands-free phone can be just as distracting as a hand-held one, so avoid using them.  

The law is there for a reason and we all have a responsibility to drive safely.  

If you are the caller and phone someone who is driving then end the conversation immediately. You also have a responsibility!